Life at Messiah

If you're thinking about becoming a student at Messiah or have been accepted and want more information to better prepare for your arrival, International Students Programs can help. Check out the sections below to find what you need. There's also a section at the end for those getting ready to transition out of Messiah that soon-to-be or recent graduates will find helpful. If you don't find what you're looking for on our site, please contact us: workisp@messiah.edu.

Practical Matters

Cell Phones

On the first day of the International Orientation Week, a representative from a cellular provider will be on hand to sign up for cell phone service.

Internet and E-mail

Information Technology Services is pleased to announce the availability of wireless internet service in all Residence Halls and all Academic Buildings. ITS is in the process of completing outside wireless access across campus. The wireless card in your laptop will automatically detect the campus wireless networks. When given a list of networks, choose "MC-Open" for general access. If you have had your PC configured, your wireless network connection is automatic. When you open your browser for the first time, you will first be asked to register your laptop on our network. This is done by a prompt to enter your Messiah username and password before allowing access to the Internet. For more information, please visit theITS Web site.

School-year Breaks

Students are allowed to stay on-campus for Fall break, Thanksgiving break, J-term break, Spring break, and Easter break. However, students are required to move out during winter recess (Christmas break - The entire college will be closed) by designated date and time to avoid penalties. Students are responsible to find their own housing over the winter break; many of our international students usually go home with their domestic friends to learn more about the American Christmas culture.

Summer

Messiah College provides housing for students who are working on-campus or doing an internship for Messiah College credit. For more information about Summer housing, please click here.

Health

Messiah College's Health and Counseling Services, the Engle Center, is located right on campus for students' convenience. Students are also able to schedule an appointment online.

Housing

Identification (IDs)

Messiah students are provided an ID card that give them access to residence and academic buildings, photocopy/printing privilege, chapel attendance, etc. For more information, please click on the link here.

Money Matters

During the International Orientation Week, International Student Programs will hold one session for banking services. Students will be able to open a checking account with a local financail institution that has an ATM on campus.

Safety

Messiah College's Department of Safety and Dispatch Services are here to provide a safe and secure environment for all students, staff, faculty and visitors.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Messiah College is close to several local attractions, restaurants, and shopping venues. Please visit here for more information.

Messiah College also provides a free shuttle that runs 7 times during weekdays, and 2 times during weekends between Grantham campus and Harrisburg Institute. Click here for the shuttle schedule.

Cultural Adjustment

Please excuse us, but we are still working on developing content for this section. Check back again later this semester. In the meantime, feel free to contact International Student Programs for information. Thank you.

In the future, this section will include helpful information on the following matters:

GEST 140 Course: Adaptation to U.S. Culture and Education

Getting to Know Americans

U.S. Academic Culture

Culture Shock

Campus Life

Please excuse us, but we are still working on developing content for
this section. Check back again later this semester. In the meantime,
feel free to contact International Student Programs for information.
Thank you.

In the future, this section will include helpful information on the following matters:

Student Clubs and Organizations

College Ministries

Athletics

Weather

Please excuse us, but we are still working on developing content for this section, which will include helpful information on winters in Pennsylvania. In the meantime, click here for current weather in Mechanicsburg.